An Act of War By: Patrick Jones

War. It is a plague that devours everything in its path. The forgotten ones die, as well as the brave and remembered. Those happy memories that once were have now been destroyed, ripped apart, just like everything else will be. I stand upon a pile of metal that once was a glorious memorial admired by all. My cold, grey armor conceals my true feelings. I do not belong here. I do not belong in a time of war, my feelings tell me. In my hands lie a slab of metal, a Hybrid Fusion Rifle, a so-called killing machine. No. The only killing machine is the one holding it, the one that slaughters thousands. Behind me waves a torn flag, baring a grey triangular symbol, a sign of the rebel forces. My thoughts quickly flash back to the civilians, those who were cut down before my very eyes. Thousands are killed, just because we're different. It's all because of differences. The ribbon of harmony that once held this world together has just been cut in half. We now fight, fight for what we think is right.

I stand, overlooking the devastation that the Metrus Prime forces had caused. My head swirls as I think about those cold, ruthless eyes. Those eyes were the ones that slaughtered them all, women, men, children, even friends and family. And all I did was sit there, watching it. I couldn't bring myself to pull the cold, metal trigger.

I discard my foolish thoughts and traverse on. The sounds of battle far away attack my ears. It's like drums beating loudly, overcoming the soft, beautiful music from the violin. The thoughts play over an over in my head. The violin plays softly as the drums pound, but I still can hold on to its tune.

My boots crunch over the cold snow as I arrive at a small station. I slowly walk into it, hearing the screams of my fellow force members. I feel their pain and agony. It stings my heart and beats at my brain. I sulk past bed after bed of screaming men. Those voices, once bold and brave, now reduced to whimpers and cries. Suddenly, someone speaks to me. "Cearon, anything to report?"

I slowly removed my heavy helmet and look into the general's ice-blue eyes. "The enemy forces are advancing on us, sir."

"Very well. We had better prepare for it then."

"Sir, if they come, do we have to fight?"

"What do you mean, Cearon? Of course!"

"But, what if we came to a peaceful solution?"

"There is no peaceful solution in war, son. It's either die or win."

"Would you die now?" I asked him, staring into his weary eyes.

"If I had a choice, I would die in a heartbeat. But since I don't have that choice, I must fight while I can. The cold season approaches, and that will only bring more death. Now, I suggest you go get ready." With that, I left. But I didn't go get prepared; I went to my bunker and cried. 'Myself, a man crying' I thought to myself. Then my other subconscious pulled at me, 'Isn't a man allowed to show his emotions. Go ahead and cry.'

I sat there for a while, thinking about everything that once was. Those happy memories, crawling in my skin. Then it's as if a plug is pulled and they all flow down the drain.

BOOM! The sounds of war draw ever never. There's only one thing to do. I quietly get up and strap into my armor. I take hold of my large hyper- powered rifle and walk out into the bleak winter. There is only one thing to do. I have to face my destiny. I am a soldier, a wolf in sheep's skin. I am a hunter, and they are the hunted. I will fight until my end. I am one step closer to ending this cruel war.

The screams fill the battlefield. I spot my first victim, a Metrus Prime colonel. I dart behind a scrap pile and quietly point my weapon at him. I get him in sight and slip my finger over the trigger. This would be my first kill. This will be my first step in ending this war. CLICK! The colonel falls to the ground. The mechanical troops look my way. I quickly dart in and out of nooks and crannies, trying to avoid lasers. Then, I stifle a scream as a laser grazes my left shoulder. I hurry along, shooting anything I could see. The drums loud sound now started to drift away, as the violin's music began to grow. I could hear the various cries from robots and humans alike. 'They're different' I thought to myself. 'They're different, and that's why they're fighting.' I move on down the long line of troops, looking for any sign on a controller. I muffle another scream as a laser hit my leg. I stopped for a moment, letting the tears behind my mask flow. "Get up! Get up!" I tell myself. I slowly rise and continue, trying to limp. It was a lost cause; I was going to be heard. I would be killed! "No! I cannot die without finishing this!"

The screams continue. My heart pounds, and my head throbs. I continue running, pulling the trigger, killing anything in my path. I am now the killing machine. I now hold this weapon. Then, I spot him. It is the Metrus Prime government leader. Without thinking, I raise my gun and sight him in. I have to do this. Without him, they would all be lost. The victory would go to the Rebellion. 'Wait!' I thought. 'Who am I doing this for, the Rebellion or myself?' I was lost. My thoughts came pouring back in. I was scared. It was now or never. "There is no peaceful solution to war, son. It's either die or win." Those words played back in my mind. I slid my finger over the trigger and pulled.

Just as I pulled, so did someone else. A laser connected with my chest. I felt the cold snow around me as I fell. I fell into a deep darkness. The drums sound now faded into the background while the violins played louder than ever. It was over. The war has ended, and so have I. This senseless war, caused by differences.

No matter how different we are, we are all equal.